It's been a while since I've sent a newsletter. things have been so busy around here. The book project is moving along and we know that it will be available in July of 2014. Finally!

There are so many other projects in the works and I've been traveling and teaching all over the place. So all of the goals I had when I decided to close the physical store a year ago are actually happening. It's a wonderful thing for me.

The family is also generally happier that I can spend more time at home with them - except on the days I ask them to help me clean.

So today I would like to talk to you about a new development. The Spinning Loft is going to be changing owners. This is great news! Let me introduce you to Alison Pacuska and then you will agree with me. Alison loves wool and sheep breeds as much as I do. She has been studying and playing with wool for years and has quite the nice little samples library. You may have met her already. She wrote the Jacob article in the current issue of Ply Magazine. (If you haven't seen it, please check it out.)

I will continue to take care of the Fiber Club through March for the current members.

There will be a short little delay in shipping as we make this transition and move of over 300 fleeces and equipment. I will do my last shipping of orders on October 12th. Alison will resume shipping on October 30th.

I hope that you all will continue to shop at the Spinning Loft for your fleece needs. The Spinning Loft will also continue to be a full service Schacht Dealer. Any Schacht product and parts will continue to be available.

The Website will be improved by this transfer. Only about 25% of the Spinning Loft's fleece inventory is currently online. Alison will be the one to let you finally see everything. I love her and know that you will too.

Let's see what she has to say:

When I met Beth for the first time over four years ago at her breed study retreat in Pennsylvania I had no idea that I would be in this position today. At the time I was facing a desperate desire to 'try all the woolz' and a rather typical self imposed paralyzation as to how to proceed. Her retreat was just what I needed. It also changed my life.

I fell in love with all the woolz at that event. Beth's energy and love for the sheep was contagious and it marked the start of a very slippery slope, a slope made more heavenly by the fumes of lanolin and barnyard. I am thrilled to say that it's probably the best slope down which I have ever had the joy of tumbling tuckus-over-teakettle.

Since then I have embraced them, supported them, scoured and spun them, bought them by the truck load and sung their praises from the highest roof tops. I have assisted Beth in sourcing fantastic fleeces from fantastic shepherds and I have studied and learned and made great contacts in the process.

When Beth approached me about taking over the shop, the array of emotions that ricocheted around my head and heart was astounding. Yet, at the very heart of all of them, was the absolute knowledge that I wanted to do it - for me, for her, and most importantly, for the sheep.

For many, not having the shop in Michigan is a sad event, and for many others it's re-opening in Maryland is exciting.

The shop will remain online only for some time, and everyone will continue to be able to acquire our fantastic array of raw fleece from as many breeds as I can get my hands on. I will continue to offer Beth's wonderful fleece scouring service. I will continue in some form the breed study fiber club when this year's iteration ends. I will continue to carry a wonderful array of scouring, processing and spinning products. These things will not change.

The Spinning Loft is all about raw fleece from many wonderful breeds and turning that fleece into wonderul yarn and finished projects and it always will be. But, great new things are coming as well.

It is with honor and joy that I take over as Shepherd from Beth. I look forward to your joining me in this next chapter of The Spinning Loft's story. We are here to bring you all the woolz.